Alumni Spotlight: Eric Schroeder ‘92

Eric Schroeder graduated from CFANS with a Bachelors in Agricultural Economics in 1992. As Chief Administrative Officer at the Great Plains Institute, he loves “the opportunity to provide the infrastructure that enables talented and entrepreneurial individuals to thrive.”

Favorite memory of campus: The muffins with the chocolate chips at the Terrace Cafe.

Why did you choose CFANS as a college? It fit the intersection of my interests, my aptitude & capability, and passion.Why do you think the University of Minnesota is great? The U was a world in and of itself to explore before getting the gumption to actually explore the world writ large.What are some professional achievements you have been proud of since graduating from the U?Capabilities to experience international finance in London, England, teach agricultural economics in East Africa in the Peace Corps, bring a startup marketing firm to fruition, grow my current nonprofit employer and start-up another nonprofit.What's your passion? What do you love about your work and your field?I love the opportunity to provide the infrastructure that enables talented and entrepreneurial individuals to thrive.

How did your education at the U of M help prepare you for what you are doing today? It gave me the broad understanding of resource and dynamic system management.What advice do you have for current students (and future alumni)?Use the career resources centers. I probably waited more than I should have to ask for guidance. It's never too late to ask for advice.